Athletes Recognized at Year-End Ceremony
South Florida State College’s four athletic teams were recognized for academic achievement, athletic accomplishments, and service to the community at the SFSC University Center Tuesday evening. The annual athletic awards ceremony was conducted by Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Rick Hitt, Cross Country Coach Krista Schult, Volleyball Coach Kim Crawford, Softball Coach Carlos Falla, and SFSC President Dr. Tom Leitzel.
Student Government Association Officers
Five athletes were recognized for serving as officers for the Student Government Association (SGA): Emma Rustenberghe (volleyball), SGA president; Abigail Liddle (cross country), historian; Lexy Barraza (cross country), vice president of external operations; Shellby Young (softball), secretary; and Raylee Coleman (softball), special assistant to the president.
Cross Country Awards
Cross Country runners recognized for achievement were: Hailey McMann, most improved runner; Jenna Moyle, most valuable runner; and Abigail Liddle, academic excellence for highest overall cumulative GPA.
Appreciation Award for Cross Country Coach
Members of the 2018 Lady Panthers Cross Country team joined Rick Hitt and Dr. Tom Leitzel in presenting a plaque to Coach Krista Schult, who has resigned the position. Schult has been the Cross Country coach since the team formed in 2014. The plaque read: “For your dedicated leadership to the South Florida State College Lady Panther Cross Country team. Your commitment to helping start and continue the success of the Cross Country team is greatly appreciation. We wish you all the best in the coming years and thank you for your commitment and support to South Florida State College athletics.”
Volleyball Awards
Volleyball Coach Kim Crawford presented Panther Academic and Athletic Excellence awards to Emma Rustenberghe and Monet Butler for their athletic achievements, high GPAs, and service to the community. Rustenberghe maintained a 3.53 GPA and is headed to Florida College on a volleyball scholarship. Butler graduated from SFSC in December with a 3.41 GPA and is attending Florida Atlantic University.
Softball Awards
Coach Carlos Falla and Assistant Coach Sydney Jones presented the Best Offensive Player award to infielder Jane’a Mobley; the Best Defensive Player award to pitcher and outfielder April Alvardo; and the Pitcher of the Year award to Shellby Young. Hannah Eden and Payton Pilon received Softball Coaches awards.
Panther Captains Award
A’Darius Council and P.J. Cimo received Baseball Captains Recognition certificates for demonstrating leadership throughout the year.
Scholastic Awards
Lexy Barraza and P.J. Cimo received Scholastic Athlete of the Year awards from Hitt and Dr. Sidney Valentine, vice president for academic affairs and student services.
Athletic Panther Spirit Award
Hitt presented the Panther of the Year award to Dr. Deborah Fuschetti, registrar emeritus. Each year, this award goes to an individual in the community who demonstrated outstanding support for Panther Athletics.
